Ghana international Abdul Rahman Baba has indicated that he has to take his time to get back into action though he is eager to play.

The attacking lateral defender was out for a year following a knee injury he sustained whilst on international duty with Ghana in January and only recovered few months ago.

Baba who is on an 18-month loan deal at Bundesliga side Schalke from Chelsea reiterated that he is anxious to play but needs to exercise restraint.

“Of course, I want to play again as soon as possible, but right now I have to be patient. The coach speaks a lot with me and praises my commitment in training again and again. So I’ll go one step at a time and work hard, “Baba told his club’s official website.

“I’m fine. I am already able to participate fully in the team training. I can do any exercise painless and also have the necessary ball feeling again. That shows me that I’m on the right path, ”

“It’s getting better every day. At the beginning of my loan, the muscles around the knee were much smaller, ”

Baba featured against the Schalke U23’s over the weekend and pointed out that it was a good exercise for him as he was able to play to his satisfaction.

“I was really looking forward to the practice match against the U23. Of course, even if you cannot compare such a game with a Bundesliga match, it was good to finally meet other opponents again. ”

The Ghanaian further thanked former German international Gerald Asamoah whom he described as a fatherly figure who has been with him through thick and thin.

“Asa is something like a father to me! I am often invited to dinner with him and his family and we have been in constant contact for the entire duration of the rehabilitation. ” he added.